Families and friends of bipolar people know firsthand how complicated it can be to interact with a person going through a manic or depressive episode. The arguments are very emotional, the disagreements often get out of hand, and the bond between people who care about one another grows weaker.
Let us take a look at effective communication strategies you should take into account when dealing with a bipolar individual – we will explore ways to help them manage their condition and ensure it does not take a toll on your relationship.
How to Deal With a Bipolar Person Without Escalating Conflict
A heated argument with a bipolar individual is a common occurrence – you may feel your point of view is dismissed and the other person is not willing to listen to what you have to say regardless of the topic you are discussing. You have to practice your listening skills, become a more compassionate communicator, and stop yourself from judging the individual you are talking to.
Remember that blaming yourself for a bipolar person’s issues is not the right strategy either – even if you made an error and initiated the conflict or escalated through no fault of your own, their disproportionate reaction, such as rage or anger, rarely depends on your previous behavior.
Recognizing the Signs of a Manic or Depressive Episode
Whether you live with a bipolar person in the same house or interact with them often enough to notice a major change in their behavior, you should identify the manifestations of a manic or depressive episode, especially if the individual in question may be a danger to themselves and others.
A prolonged episode of bipolar-related mania or depression may last for weeks and months if the person is not getting the treatment they need – make sure you encourage them to get help in case the symptoms get too severe.
What Manic Behavior Might Look Like
A bipolar person will exhibit the following symptoms of mania:
- Severe restlessness and agitation.
- Increased levels of energy for no apparent reason.
- Rapid and compulsive talking.
- Changing subjects quickly due to overwhelming thought patterns.
- Heightened self-importance and self-esteem.
- Lack of fatigue despite insufficient sleep.
- Lack of focus and fleeting attention span.
- Lack of care for the consequences of impulsive choices.
- Purposeless and unintentional motions.
- Seeing and hearing things that are not there.
How Depression Shows Up in Daily Life
Here is how depression manifests itself in a bipolar person:
- Sadness, emptiness, and hopelessness.
- Mood fluctuations.
- Lack of energy and enthusiasm.
- Inability to experience pleasure when participating in various fun activities.
- Sleep disturbances – a person either sleeps too much or too little.
- Cognitive decline and inability to retain information.
- Feeling guilty, ashamed, or worthless for no reason.
- Loss of appetite or overeating.
- Suicidal ideations that may turn into attempts to commit suicide.
How to Help Someone With Bipolar Disorder in the Moment
To help someone with bipolar manic depression during a particularly intense episode, you should do the following things:
| Advice | Description |
Stay With Them | It may be difficult to listen to the bipolar person talking rapidly about random topics but if they are full of energy, try to match it and engage in a conversation when they are talking and moving around |
Remain Calm and Neutral | A bipolar person may say things they do not necessarily believe in and insult you – do not take it personally or get angry. You should avoid arguing or trying to convince the individual of something |
| Remember About Food | A manic or depressive episode may be overwhelming and the person might feel weak and dehydrated – prepare a small snack and water to give to them when they look exhausted |
| Get to a Quiet Place | If the manic episode begins when you are outside, do your best to get your relative or friend to their house and minimize interactions with other people to prevent escalation |
What to Avoid Saying or Doing
There are phrases you should never say to a bipolar person as well as actions that you should avoid:
- Do not call the individual sick, crazy, or evil based on their diagnosis.
- Do not try to disregard their condition even if you see certain positives in some of the symptoms.
- Do not rush them when they begin treatment – they can manage it at their own pace.
- Do not encourage them to drink or use drugs – it may be particularly dangerous for a person who takes prescription medication.
How to Set Boundaries With a Bipolar Loved One
Living with bipolar disorder is hard when you are trying to communicate with your partner, family member, or friend and your relationship becomes strained. Here is how you can establish better boundaries with a bipolar person to maintain a healthy relationship:
- Focus on positivity – do not let negative moments and episodes define your bond. Show your appreciation to the person, be affectionate, and create a safe space for them.
- Instead of resorting to assumptions, you should focus on clarity and brevity especially if there is a tendency for either of you to jump to conclusions.
- Figure out together when it is possible for you to de-escalate the situation by leaving the room – you need to learn when to take a break and let each other breathe.
- Avoid insulting and humiliating the other person and definitely do not bring up their disorder in an attempt to humiliate them.
- Stay in touch with other people – it may be dangerous to trust only one person in the whole world and feel isolated and alone if there is a conflict.
Supporting Long-Term Wellness and Stability
As you remain close to a bipolar person and both of you are willing to stay in touch and navigate the ups and downs of your relationship together, you should prepare certain strategies that will ensure your loved one’s well-being in the long run:
| Advice | Description |
Educate Yourself | As you are interacting with the bipolar individual, you can learn a lot from their personal experience. You may also read books and articles about this condition to know how it may manifest in the future and avoid unpleasant surprises |
| Learn to Spot the Early Signs of a Mood Episode | If you know what comes before an episode, warn the person about it. For instance, if they eat less as a sign of an upcoming depressive episode, tell them to be mindful of their nutrition to prevent issues |
Create a Routine | Bipolar individuals benefit from schedules, routines, and plans – come up with a proper sleeping routine, discuss events and activities with them ahead of time, and talk about a plan of action in case there is an emergency situation |
| Take Time to Reflect | When the person is calm and feels secure, talk about your emotions and feelings, write them down for future reference, and adjust your coping strategies whenever it is required |
Take Care of Yourself | Rely on your family and friends if you feel exhausted physically or mentally, devote time to mindfulness, and be gentle with yourself as you navigate bipolar disorder with another person |
When to Seek Help: Contact CA Mental Health
Whether you suspect someone you know well may be bipolar or they were diagnosed in the past yet they struggle to manage their condition successfully, professional guidance may be the best solution. A qualified therapist can detect the presence of a disorder as well as teach the person coping skills that will increase the quality of their day-to-day life.
Reach out to CA Mental Health – together we will map out a long-term treatment plan for a bipolar individual and explain how to deal with a bipolar person without lasting damage to your own psyche.
FAQs
How do you communicate with someone with bipolar disorder?
To deal with someone with bipolar disorder without any difficulties, you must never use their condition against them, remain honest and straightforward, and pay attention to changes in their behavior to know if you should support them during an upcoming mood episode.
What are the best ways to support a bipolar person?
Create a supportive and judgment-free space for a person with bipolar disorder – you can support them emotionally and take care of chores and errands they cannot handle especially during a depressive episode. Your presence, attention, and care will make all the difference.
How do you handle a bipolar person during a manic episode?
Stay with the individual and ensure they are safe from harm and cannot hurt anyone else. Listen to them even if they do not make much sense, help them calm down, and get medical assistance if symptoms seem out of the ordinary.
What should you avoid saying to someone with bipolar disorder?
Do not humiliate a person with a mental health diagnosis, do not call them crazy or unstable, and do not dismiss their symptoms by saying anyone can be depressed or agitated.
Can therapy help improve relationships with someone who has bipolar disorder?
Counseling is a great solution for people whose interpersonal communication has not been optimal because one of them has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Together you can develop coping mechanisms, resolve conflicts that bothered you for a long time, and articulate your feelings to feel more confident.
